David Moyes returns to his former club Everton with a Manchester United side which has endured a miserable campaign which has seen them break a number of unwanted records – including Everton’s winless run at Old Trafford for 14 years. While United’s results at Old Trafford have been disappointing, the Red Devils have the best points tally away from home in the league. That being said, Everton continue to remain a force at Goodison Park – and manager Roberto Martinez will be keen to put the disappointment of the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace behind him with a win over United.
Everton’s Champions League charge was derailed with an unusual blip against Tony Pulis’ Palace side, and with a really tough fixture against Manchester City still to come, Everton have to pick up all three points to keep their Champions League aspirations alive. For United, this is an opportunity to stay in the hunt for a Europe League spot, while there is still a faint mathematical chance of David Moyes’ side making it into Europe’s elite competition, although Moyes conceded it would be difficult to achieve Top 4 from here on.
19 year old central defender John Stones, a £3m signing from Barnsley, is all set to continue in the heart of defence in the absence of Phil Jagielka, who is out with a hamstring injury. James McCarthy is expected to return to the starting line up to partner Gareth Barry, while Steven Naismith is expected to start again. Steven Pienaar continues his spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.
David Moyes confirmed that Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini are both fit to face their former club, while central defender Jonny Evans is nearing a return to fitness but the game at Goodison may have come a bit too soon for the Irishman. Van Persie continues his rehabilitation back home in Netherlands and will be assessed by the United medical team next week.
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku
Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini, Valencia, Mata, Kagawa; Rooney
Stats Via Whoscored.com
With Arsenal are in pole position to claim the final Champions League spot, Everton have to pick up a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. But United will be keen to end a forgettable campaign on a high, and with Wayne Rooney and Fellaini back in the team, David Moyes may well enjoy a successful return to his former kingdom. United to nick it 2-1.
Everton vs Manchester United will be live on Sky Sports 1 for viewers in the UK, and on the NBC network for viewers in the US.
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…